Ingredients
Scale
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Italian Chicken and Veggies dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Why These Ingredients Are Essential:
- Chicken breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the delicious marinades and keeps the dish light yet filling.
- Zucchini and bell peppers: Perfect vegetables for roasting; they add color and sweetness.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess and depth to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the veggies.
- Italian seasoning: The heart of the dish! A mix of herbs gives the chicken that signature Italian flavor.
- Garlic: A must for any Italian dish—adds fragrance and richness.
Instructions
Let’s break this down step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every detail!
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat the chicken breasts in this marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. If you’ve got time, let them marinate for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. If not, 10 minutes will do the trick!
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
- While the chicken marinates, prep your veggies. Slice the zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion into thin pieces for even cooking.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. These will add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness when roasted.
Step 3: Toss the Veggies with Olive Oil and Seasoning
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the veggies are evenly seasoned.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The goal here is to develop flavor and color, so don’t worry if the chicken is not fully cooked through just yet.
Step 5: Add the Veggies
- Once the chicken is seared, add the seasoned veggies around the chicken in the skillet. Arrange the veggies in an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven, and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g